[Needbmwpartzz]

Any optometrists in here,
I was just diagnosed with astigmatism
And my prescription is OD-0.25-0.75
OS Plano-0.75x005
How is it that only now am I having Vision problems if this developed in childhood.
TIA

[overcoil]

What's the axis for the right eye ? You write 0.25-0.75x00 (or was it written 0.00 (?)0.25x075)

Young eyes tend to 'accommodate' meaning the muscles of the eye can alter the lens to aid vision as you age you lose that 'accommodative' feature.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accommodation_(eye)

Had you had the pair of corrective lenses made and had you worn them and noticed a difference?

But no one can accurately make a guess without greater info. Things like lenticular astigmatism (versus corneal) might lead to a different guess)

[Needbmwpartzz]

Thanks for replying.
It's corneal astigmatism and my right eye has the issue I went for the tests,just wrote it as the optometrist put on prescription and I'm currently shopping for frames/lenses so not quite sure about the number side of things.
Also referred to ophthalmologist as optometrist seemed to think I have floaters based on some of the images of back wall of eye.
Is it possible that optometrist was more interested in a sale for his prescription first then my health second as they seemed mostly interested in an immediate sale after diagnosis.
And would you recommend a second opinion?

[overcoil]

Wow.
Your perceptive about the eyeglasses sale, but even a MD ophthalmologist can have an office that pushes eyeglasses.


As far as getting a refraction, even if you went to an ophthalmologist doubtful an MD would do a refraction, probably have OD. But at the MD, the refractive OD can pull the MD in if he feels inclined for the floaters. ( and actually an OD could very possibly do a better refraction then an MD ). Also for instances a ForEyes chain exam compared to an exam at an office on a medical campus...

I mean things like age primarily and then other conditions even occupation can be variables, if your getting headaches...but it's not appropriate to diagnose on a forum.

I think your astigmatism is no big thing, did the correction seem obvious when he put it in front of you in the chair?

Are you distracted by the floaters? And had you had any significant impacts to the upper-body? Don't answer here but if YES then those are reasons maybe to see the ophthalmologist. The urgency in which the OD recommended to get further opinion on the floaters.

Where are you located ?

As for second opinion, if you feel short changed by your OD.

I sure hope your not losing any sleep over this, because your scenario is common. I used to get floaters but it went away.

Finally, as you transcribed your Rx both eyes have astigmatism, I assume your saying only the right eye was for the floaters?

[EyeGuy]

I never needed glasses until recently. My rx is very simialar to yours, very mild. I only use glasses when I drive though. We can blame this on hours of cell phone and tablet usage. It is now a lot more common in younger children with all the screen time today.
If you are on the phone or tablet for extended periods of time, we should be taking breaks every half hour or so, meaning 30 mins on, 5-10 mins looking far away such as out the window etc.
What also helped me was activating night shift mode on my iPhone when using at night. It took away the brief bluriness looking into the distance after being on my phone for some time.

[EyeGuy]

Also, opthamologists are the ones to go to for any eye conditions regarding the health of the eye. Optometrists are the ones who specialize in prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses, as they spent a lot more time in school focusing on refracting.
Disclaimer: I own an optical practice

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by EyeGuy

I never needed glasses until recently. My rx is very simialar to yours, very mild. I only use glasses when I drive though. We can blame this on hours of cell phone and tablet usage. It is now a lot more common in younger children with all the screen time today.
If you are on the phone or tablet for extended periods of time, we should be taking breaks every half hour or so, meaning 30 mins on, 5-10 mins looking far away such as out the window etc.
What also helped me was activating night shift mode on my iPhone when using at night. It took away the brief bluriness looking into the distance after being on my phone for some time.

This is interesting and gets me worried since my 7-year old spends a good deal of time on a tablet. Essentially watching TV is better for the eyes? I have never heard about this and was wondering if there are studies on it?

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by jgoens

This is interesting and gets me worried since my 7-year old spends a good deal of time on a tablet. Essentially watching TV is better for the eyes? I have never heard about this and was wondering if there are studies on it?

Realize that children are very adept at bringing objects very close in, so near in itself is not to worry.
Adults are advised to focus at distant objects, greater then 20 feet, every fifteen minutes for example, because adults lack what children inherently have.

[Needbmwpartzz]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

Wow.
Your perceptive about the eyeglasses sale, but even a MD ophthalmologist can have an office that pushes eyeglasses.


As far as getting a refraction, even if you went to an ophthalmologist doubtful an MD would do a refraction, probably have OD. But at the MD, the refractive OD can pull the MD in if he feels inclined for the floaters. ( and actually an OD could very possibly do a better refraction then an MD ). Also for instances a ForEyes chain exam compared to an exam at an office on a medical campus...

I mean things like age primarily and then other conditions even occupation can be variables, if your getting headaches...but it's not appropriate to diagnose on a forum.

I think your astigmatism is no big thing, did the correction seem obvious when he put it in front of you in the chair?

Are you distracted by the floaters? And had you had any significant impacts to the upper-body? Don't answer here but if YES then those are reasons maybe to see the ophthalmologist. The urgency in which the OD recommended to get further opinion on the floaters.

Where are you located ?

As for second opinion, if you feel short changed by your OD.

I sure hope your not losing any sleep over this, because your scenario is common. I used to get floaters but it went away.

Finally, as you transcribed your Rx both eyes have astigmatism, I assume your saying only the right eye was for the floaters?

The correction did seem obvious.
I'm located in Toronto and your correct the floaters were for the right eye only and astigmatism for both.

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by Needbmwpartzz

The correction did seem obvious.
I'm located in Toronto and your correct the floaters were for the right eye only and astigmatism for both.

Did your optometrist have nice frames? There are some excellent quality frames.


Do a google search on floaters, but you know it's recommended you don't rub your eyes, when you rub the eye and deform the globe you can create pressure etcetera.

Really your OD did good. If they said see an ophthalmologist, I'd heed their advice, not that it's a worrying situation but with periodic checks they can create a history and that is very helpful.

[Maynard]

I have (had) very bad astigmatism. DK how old you are - options differ by age, since youngers are still in process of changing. Astigmatism is more about the roundness (unevenness in that causes irregularities, so as eyes age and change, so will the astig). Everybody is different, so some generic suggestions (including these) may not be for you - trust your docs or get ones you can. Contacts help with this more than glasses, especially semi-rigid gas perms (now harder to get from the run-of-the-mill shops; the regular shape helps offset the eye's irregular shape). If you can deal w/ contacts, you may want to try them. I'm at the later end of this and just got cataract correction that included custom implant lenses that correct for it permanently.

If the floaters are sudden, new, and noticeable enough to affect your vision or make you startle like something is moving, then you really need an eval ASAP. Ditto for 'flashers' that make you think somebody just took a picture from over your shoulder, or anything else really new and different in your vision. Still need one anyway, but these are the red-flags I use (w/ concussion patients). Especially true if you just took a head hit, or have diabetes/high blood pressure or family histories of eye problems. Everybody has some of these, most don't notice 'til they get in a doc's office, they need to look at your retina to be sure it looks good - simple, but specialized.

[Needbmwpartzz]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

Did your optometrist have nice frames? There are some excellent quality frames.


Do a google search on floaters, but you know it's recommended you don't rub your eyes, when you rub the eye and deform the globe you can create pressure etcetera.

Really your OD did good. If they said see an ophthalmologist, I'd heed their advice, not that it's a worrying situation but with periodic checks they can create a history and that is very helpful.

The place had very nice frames.
Yes I'm going to listen to him and see the ophthalmologist as the floater are an issue for me and to see if there are any detachment going on.
I appreciate everyone's input and advice...thanks!

[Needbmwpartzz]

Originally Posted by Maynard

I have (had) very bad astigmatism. DK how old you are - options differ by age, since youngers are still in process of changing. Astigmatism is more about the roundness (unevenness in that causes irregularities, so as eyes age and change, so will the astig). Everybody is different, so some generic suggestions (including these) may not be for you - trust your docs or get ones you can. Contacts help with this more than glasses, especially semi-rigid gas perms (now harder to get from the run-of-the-mill shops; the regular shape helps offset the eye's irregular shape). If you can deal w/ contacts, you may want to try them. I'm at the later end of this and just got cataract correction that included custom implant lenses that correct for it permanently.

If the floaters are sudden, new, and noticeable enough to affect your vision or make you startle like something is moving, then you really need an eval ASAP. Ditto for 'flashers' that make you think somebody just took a picture from over your shoulder, or anything else really new and different in your vision. Still need one anyway, but these are the red-flags I use (w/ concussion patients). Especially true if you just took a head hit, or have diabetes/high blood pressure or family histories of eye problems. Everybody has some of these, most don't notice 'til they get in a doc's office, they need to look at your retina to be sure it looks good - simple, but specialized.

Think I will try glasses firstly as contacts seem like too much trouble.
Just waiting on appointment for Ophthalmologist evaluation to see what is actually going on with the floaters situation.
Wish me luck they call soon...

[John 070]

Originally Posted by EyeGuy

Also, opthamologists are the ones to go to for any eye conditions regarding the health of the eye. Optometrists are the ones who specialize in prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses, as they spent a lot more time in school focusing on refracting.
Disclaimer: I own an optical practice

They went to medical school, the other, did not. Ditto with podiatrists and chiropractors.

Let's say you're in the NFL and you have a problem with your foot--who will you see? Why would we deserve any less?

[C1Boston]

I' have astigmatism in my left eye as well which was not diagnosed until maybe 4 years ago. All I really know is that my left contact is shaped slightly differently. I've had glasses all my life that I didn't really start wearing until I started getting bad headaches in my teens and driving was impossible unless I wore glasses or my contact lenses.

Aside from that I always consider getting that laser procedure done. By brother got it done years ago and to this day he has not had any problems.

[EyeGuy]

Originally Posted by John 070

They went to medical school, the other, did not. Ditto with podiatrists and chiropractors.

Let's say you're in the NFL and you have a problem with your foot--who will you see? Why would we deserve any less?

Trust me when I tell you that if you need an Rx for glasses or contact lenses to go to an optometrist. I spend a lot of time redoing ophthalmologist prescriptions. Yes ophthalmologists do go to medical school, ask one how much time they study refracting.
Like I said optometrists specialize in refracting for eyeglass or contact lens prescription. If he or she sees anything out of the ordinary concerning the health of the eye, they will then refer you to an ophthalmologist.

[EyeGuy]

Originally Posted by C1Boston

I' have astigmatism in my left eye as well which was not diagnosed until maybe 4 years ago. All I really know is that my left contact is shaped slightly differently. I've had glasses all my life that I didn't really start wearing until I started getting bad headaches in my teens and driving was impossible unless I wore glasses or my contact lenses.

Aside from that I always consider getting that laser procedure done. By brother got it done years ago and to this day he has not had any problems.

Laser surgery is always an option if you are a good candidate for it. What you have to remember is that as you age, your eyes get worse. So getting the laser surgery basically sets you back to zero. I doesn't mean that you wouldnt require glasses later in life as your eyes age.

[overcoil]

It is true that for refraction an O.D. is a very good choice. At Wilmer only an O.D. is going to refract if your request is an eye exam.

As for laser surgery, as certain there are successful outcomes, there are many foul-ups. And in the upcoming decade new technologies that are not as invasive as laser. If considering laser do research.
In certain environments eyeglasses can be superior to laser, and contacts can in some case exceed what eyeglasses can.

[NEFARIOUS]

Former optician here... It cracks me up when people get all worried about their cyl (astigmatism) and think it's a disease... All it means is that your eyes aren't a perfect circle (to exaggerate, it's like a golf ball vs. an egg), and like 8/10 patients I dispensed have astigmatism, and 0.5 to 1.25 or so of cyl is about the norm.

Here's a good reference; ignore the parts about "add" (unless you need reading correction) or "prism" (very rare; 1 out of I'd say about 1,000 patients) http://www.allaboutvision.com/eyegla...escription.htm

Even if you did have a high amount of cyl (I define it as -2.00 or more), you're fine... It just means more work for us to grind your glasses (e.g. having to take higher-precision measurements and make sure the lenses are adjusted to perfection), or you'd have to settle for a tiny bit less clarity for contact lenses if your axis isn't a multiple of 10 (e.g. x026 would mean you'd have to get x030).

As far as your general eyesight, it isn't too bad, really... Maybe you'd have minor loss of details at the extreme most, which your spherical equivalent (which means if you were to round up your cyl to the nearest sphere) is 0.5 right and 0.25 left, which is pretty much arguably the difference between 4K vs. 1080P for a smaller TV, and glasses are almost optional unless you need to read at long distances...

I'm -1.25 DS (no astigmatism) in the right and -1.50-0.50x055 in the left and can see standard definition for far-away objects and only have trouble reading a whiteboard from 20+ feet away and rarely wear my glasses; even driving is OK... But that's if I had them; my cousin's daughter stepped on them a while ago and I've been way too busy to take time out and get a new pair

[overcoil]

Originally Posted by NEFARIOUS

Former optician here... It cracks me up when people get all worried about their cyl (astigmatism) and think it's a disease... All it means is that your eyes aren't a perfect circle (to exaggerate, it's like a golf ball vs. an egg), and like 8/10 patients I dispensed have astigmatism, and 0.5 to 1.25 or so of cyl is about the norm.

Here's a good reference; ignore the parts about "add" (unless you need reading correction) or "prism" (very rare; 1 out of I'd say about 1,000 patients) http://www.allaboutvision.com/eyegla...escription.htm

Even if you did have a high amount of cyl (I define it as -2.00 or more), you're fine... It just means more work for us to grind your glasses (e.g. having to take higher-precision measurements and make sure the lenses are adjusted to perfection), or you'd have to settle for a tiny bit less clarity for contact lenses if your axis isn't a multiple of 10 (e.g. x026 would mean you'd have to get x030).

As far as your general eyesight, it isn't too bad, really... Maybe you'd have minor loss of details at the extreme most, which your spherical equivalent (which means if you were to round up your cyl to the nearest sphere) is 0.5 right and 0.25 left, which is pretty much arguably the difference between 4K vs. 1080P for a smaller TV, and glasses are almost optional unless you need to read at long distances...

I'm -1.25 DS (no astigmatism) in the right and -1.50-0.50x055 in the left and can see standard definition for far-away objects and only have trouble reading a whiteboard from 20+ feet away and rarely wear my glasses; even driving is OK... But that's if I had them; my cousin's daughter stepped on them a while ago and I've been way too busy to take time out and get a new pair

The original poster was wondering why the astigmatism wasn't something relayed to him in the past (as a child) is astigmatism something that develops over time, why now. He was also concerned about floaters detected in one eye.

[NEFARIOUS]

Originally Posted by ScottSinger

The original poster was wondering why the astigmatism wasn't something relayed to him in the past (as a child) is astigmatism something that develops over time, why now. He was also concerned about floaters detected in one eye.

I didn't respond based on the floaters since that's out of my level of expertise, only the matter of the astigmatism.

Some people's vision can fluctuate wildly or not respond to accommodation as expected, and there are some that can stay practically the same Rx for their entire life (like even for me, my right eye only changed 0.25 diopters from 10 years ago), but I was just informing OP that astigmatism is nothing to worry about and is normal.

[F30lolz]

Originally Posted by Needbmwpartzz

Any optometrists in here,
I was just diagnosed with astigmatism
And my prescription is OD-0.25-0.75
OS Plano-0.75x005
How is it that only now am I having Vision problems if this developed in childhood.
TIA

OP, my wife was an ophthalmic technician. Here is her reply:

Your dioptres do not seem to be that high to be required to wear a rx. Hence the reason as to why you have not needed and rx till now. Your OD rx is just to level out both eyes. Your OS is the weaker eye, which if anything would require the rx. What you could have is convergence insufficiency, which as a child you can accommodate. If you have seen an ophthalmologist and not an optician as a child, they would not prescribe an rx as this can weaken the muscle of the eye. The recommendation for that is "pencil pushups". However, in order to better assist I would need to know if your symptoms are only blurred vision, or somewhat more. Also, I would also need to know your age because after a certain age our lenses loses its flexibility and leads us getting blurred vision.